James E. Jones - Sr. Manager, Business Analysis

by James E Jones
(Memphis, TN, USA)

I met Don McLaughlin years ago working at the Pensacola Mill. I had the opportunity to work for him as a Staff Accountant. Several things that stood out to me about Don was his passion for how he performed his job and secondly how he cared for his employees. Don was very passionate about his work and doing his job to the best of his ability with integrity. He never wanted it to be said by anyone that he half did his job. He also made sure that his manager was informed of what was going on in his area of responsibility so that there was no surprises. I can truly say that Don genuinely cared about his employees. I recall how he committed hours and hours of work into pay for skills for the non-exempt employees. He also made sure that they were skilled up to perform various roles within the finance department and received the pay adjustments for becoming proficient through testing on the new responsibilities. Don always tried to be fair and he treated employees with dignity and respect.

My key learnings from Don were being passionate about your work and the job that you are performing with integrity. Also care about the people that you work with. Always make them feel that you care about them as a person and their well being as well as you have their best interest at heart.

Thank you Don for the impact that you have had on me and my career! I am forever grateful!